Finnish MPs clash over soaring fuel prices and tax policy

During a parliamentary inquiry, Centre MP Jouni Ovaska warned that rising fuel costs were threatening workers and transport firms, pointing out that Finnish diesel is now the costliest in the EU and that Swedish diesel is about 50 cents cheaper per litre. He asked Finance Minister Riikka Purra if the government would introduce new proposals to bring pump prices down. Purra said the cabinet had already cut fuel and vehicle taxes and that one outlet price surge stems from high world oil prices, partly due to tensions in the Hormuz Strait, while noting fiscal constraints prevent large tax cuts.

Opposition leaders, including Antti Kurvinen and Anne Kalmari, accused the Finns Party-led government of increasing taxes and postponing the inclusion of transport in the EU emissions-trading system. The debate also touched on education support and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market, with Minister Matias Marttinen outlining ongoing training initiatives.